well, then surely wouldst thou see Deirdre the Star-eyed, and none should
know.'

Seven days passed, and Deirdre roamed in the wood dreaming her dream, when
of a sudden there came an unknown sound. Ah, could it be the hunting-horn
of which Lavarcam had spoken in her tales of chase? The maiden paused. The
horn ceased. Nathos had left the hunt and wandered through the glade.
There, against a background of blue haze, encircled by a network of
blossoming blackthorn, shone forth the fairest vision mortal eye had
beheld.

Speech tarried as Nathos gazed spell-bound.

At length the maiden questioned, 'Nathos, son of Usna, what wouldst thou?'

'Strange is it that thou shouldst know my name, most fair. No mortal art
thou. Fain would I enter yonder cottage, did I but dare, and speak with
the daughter of Felim the Harper. Yet it is death should the King know of
my desire.'

'I am that Deirdre whom thou seekest, and if I be fair in thine eyes, it
pleaseth me well. It is for thee I have watched long, for is not thy skin
white as snow, thy cheek crimson as blood, and thy hair black as the
raven's wing? Lonely are my days in this place, where none dwells save my
nurse, my tutor, and Lavarcam.'

Never did harp-strings yield such music as her voice, never did fairy
strains pour forth such wonder-stirring sound.

'Art thou indeed Deirdre the Star-eyed, and is it that King Concobar